Comparison of fibroblastic proliferation and collagen deposition in response to CO[2] laser surgery and scalpel

ABSTRACT

CO2 laser is the advocated treatment for the removal of various soft tissue lesions in oral cavity in recent years. A number of clinical advantages are reported by CO2 laser as compared to scalpel. The objectives include oral tissue fibroblastic response after CO2 laser surgery and to compare advantages and disadvantages of CO2 laser and scalpel after an oral surgical procedure with special reference to fibrosis and collagen deposition. A comparative study, conducted at animal laboratory of Post Graduate Medical Institute, Lahore for about three months. This study was conducted on 150 Sprague - Dawley Albino rats, which were divided into 3 equal groups of 50. Partial glossectomy was done with 3 watts CO2 laser for group [A], with 6 watts CO2 laser for group [B] and with scalpel for group [C]. The fibroblastic activity and collagen deposition was observed and compared histologically, 24 hours, 3[rd] day, 7[th] day, 14th day and 28[th] day after surgery. Histologically fibrosis and collagen deposition were highly significant in A and C groups as compared to group B. Six watts CO2 laser wound was much better as compared to scalpel in terms of lesser fibroblastic activity and collagen thickness hence having a good wound healing response